Officials at Dinham Millennium Green Trust, which owns Castle Weir and land surrounding it, said it was vital to get up-to-date information on the state of the weir before a bid is made to the Heritage Lottery Fund for cash to carry out repairs.

Divers plunged into the River Teme yesterday and inspected the weir, which sits in the shadow of Ludlow Castle.

The weir is thought to have suffered damage in recent times as river levels fluctuate.

Paul Nicholls, chairman of Dinham Millennium Green Trust, said: “It’s the toe of the weir, underneath the waterline, that causes the most concern.

“The weather and waters have done very odd things since the last survey was made that we needed an up-to-date-report on the state of the fabric.”

“We already have certain promises of grant support to carry out repairs but it is vital we should know that the weir’s condition has not worsened.”

Trust member David Edwards said after the report and measurements taken by the divers are examined the trust can look towards carrying out work on the weir.

He said: “Repairs to the weir will mark phase three of the restoration project.”

The trust also owns and maintains a strip of woodland downstream. The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.